WorkKeys Business Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer emails asking why their order is late. Which opening sentence best fits a professional reply?
- Thank you for reaching out about your order; we apologize for the delay. (Correct answer)
- Why are you so impatient about this order?
- Orders are late sometimes, deal with it.
- I don't know why your order is late.
Correct answer: Thank you for reaching out about your order; we apologize for the delay.
A courteous acknowledgment that addresses the concern sets a professional tone.
Question 2: Which sentence uses the most concise, businesslike wording?
- Please submit the report by Friday. (Correct answer)
- Due to the fact that we need it, please get the report in at some point by Friday.
- If it is not too much trouble, maybe submit the report by Friday if you can.
- It would be appreciated if the report could possibly be submitted around Friday.
Correct answer: Please submit the report by Friday.
Concise business writing states the request directly without filler.
Question 3: What is the main purpose of a subject line in a business email?
- To summarize the email's purpose so the reader can prioritize it (Correct answer)
- To make the email longer
- To replace the greeting
- To list every recipient
Correct answer: To summarize the email's purpose so the reader can prioritize it
A clear subject line tells the reader what the message is about at a glance.
Question 4: Which closing is most appropriate for a formal business letter to a client you have not met?
- Sincerely, (Correct answer)
- Later,
- Catch you soon,
- XOXO,
Correct answer: Sincerely,
"Sincerely" is a standard formal closing for professional correspondence.
Question 5: A coworker's message is unclear. What is the best professional response?
- Could you clarify what you mean by 'the update'? (Correct answer)
- Your message makes no sense.
- Figure it out yourself.
- I'm ignoring this until it's clearer.
Correct answer: Could you clarify what you mean by 'the update'?
Politely asking for clarification keeps communication productive and respectful.
Question 6: Which sentence avoids unnecessary jargon for a general audience?
- We will start the new project on Monday. (Correct answer)
- We will commence the synergistic initiative leveraging cross-functional bandwidth Monday.
- We will action the deliverable per the paradigm shift Monday.
- We will operationalize the strategic vertical Monday.
Correct answer: We will start the new project on Monday.
Plain language communicates clearly without confusing buzzwords.
Question 7: When writing a complaint to a vendor, what tone is most effective?
- Firm but professional and factual (Correct answer)
- Angry and insulting
- Vague and apologetic
- Sarcastic and dismissive
Correct answer: Firm but professional and factual
A firm, factual tone gets results while keeping the business relationship intact.
WorkKeys Business Writing 2
A customer emails asking why their order is late.
Which opening sentence best fits a professional reply?